countyscore
63.2
County Score
Safety 92.8Cost of Living 90.2Disaster Risk 65

County Report Card

About Magoffin County, Kentucky

Magoffin County Outperforms the National Median

Magoffin County achieves a composite score of 64.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests an exceptional level of livability compared to the average United States county.

Leading the Kentucky State Average

Magoffin County's 64.8 score comfortably exceeds the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a strong performer within the Commonwealth, particularly in terms of safety and affordability.

Elite Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect cost score of 95.1 and a safety score of 92.8. With median gross rent at just $633 per month and a low home value of $88,300, housing is exceptionally accessible.

Significant Income and Health Hurdles

The local economy faces steep challenges with an income score of 0.7 and a median household income of $33,632. Health outcomes also lag behind, reflected in a low dimension score of 23.5.

Ideal for Remote Workers and Retirees

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safe streets and rock-bottom housing costs. Those who do not rely on the local job market will find the highest value here.

2040608010052.490.292.823.5620.56528.163.3Tax52.4Cost90.2Safety92.8Health23.5Schools62Income0.5Risk65Water28.1Weather63.363.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Magoffin County DNA

D+overall

How Magoffin County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Magoffin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.2/100) but notably weak in Income (0.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.4
Cost
90.2+42.2
Safety
92.8+37.8
Health
23.5-26.5
Schools
62+8
Income
0.5-50.5
Risk
65+18
Water
28.1-29.9
Weather
63.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Magoffin County?

Many homeowners in Magoffin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$89,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$730/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$89,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $33,080/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Magoffin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Magoffin County

via TaxByCounty

Magoffin's low rate vastly undercuts nation

Magoffin County's effective tax rate of 0.728% is less than one-quarter of the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a typical home worth $281,900. This Appalachian county's median home value of just $88,300 means property owners pay far lower absolute dollars than national counterparts.

Magoffin ranks slightly below state average

At 0.728%, Magoffin's rate sits just 1.3% below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it among the state's lower-tax counties. The county's median tax of $643 represents 41% less than Kentucky's state median of $1,093.

Magoffin lowest in its peer group

Magoffin's 0.728% rate edges out Mason County (0.634%) to rank near the bottom regionally, alongside Martin County (0.774%) and Madison County (0.739%). The county's low property values, not low rates, drive the modest tax bills residents see.

Median home carries $643 annual tax

An $88,300 home in Magoffin County incurs roughly $643 in yearly property tax, translating to about $54 monthly for owners without mortgages. Adding mortgage-related assessments raises the typical bill to $1,161.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Even in Magoffin's modest housing market, many homeowners carry inflated assessments relative to what homes actually sell for. Requesting a formal assessment review with your county assessor takes minimal time and could yield meaningful tax savings.

Income & Jobs in Magoffin County

via IncomeByCounty

Magoffin faces significant income gap

Magoffin County's median household income of $33,632 trails the national median of $74,755 by 55%, one of the steepest gaps in the state. Per capita income of $20,024 falls 32% below Kentucky's average of $29,616, signaling economic pressure.

Among Kentucky's lowest earners

Magoffin County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income running $22,277 below the state average of $55,909. The county faces systemic economic challenges reflected in wages and employment opportunities.

Struggles compared to surrounding areas

Magoffin's $33,632 median income falls far short of Martin County ($46,185), McCreary County ($37,355), and Marion County ($55,404) nearby. Only McCreary County approaches similar income levels, indicating concentrated economic hardship in eastern Kentucky.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% means Magoffin residents dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, approaching the federal stress threshold of 30%. With median home values at $88,300, affordability exists for homeownership, but rental households face tighter budgets.

Intentional savings unlock long-term stability

Despite lower median income, Magoffin County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and employer retirement plans, even modest contributions. Seeking local financial counseling and exploring education opportunities can expand earning potential over time.

Safety in Magoffin County

via CrimeByCounty

Magoffin County boasts elite national safety

With a total crime rate of just 103.0 per 100,000 residents, Magoffin County is exceptionally safe compared to the national average of 2,385.5. It achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. This low activity level places the county among the most secure regions in the United States.

Ranking high among Kentucky's safest counties

Magoffin County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average crime rate of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.8 sits well above the already high state average of 98.8. Two dedicated reporting agencies maintain this high level of public security for the community.

Setting the regional standard for safety

Magoffin’s crime rate of 103.0 is even lower than neighboring Martin County’s 141.7. It also maintains a safer profile than McCreary County, which reports a rate of 118.4. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even in a low-crime state like Kentucky.

Violent crime is extremely rare here

The county reports a violent crime rate of only 34.3 per 100,000, less than half the state average of 78.1. Property crime is also minimal, affecting only 68.7 per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. In practical terms, crime is an infrequent occurrence for most households.

Maintain the county's high safety record

Even in high-safety areas, remaining vigilant helps prevent opportunistic crimes. Consider joining a neighborhood watch or installing basic smart home cameras to deter the few property crimes that do occur. Your proactive steps help keep Magoffin County's safety score at the top of the charts.

Soil Quality in Magoffin County

via SoilByCounty

Navigating the Rugged Magoffin Landscape

Magoffin County currently has limited mapped soil data for pH and taxonomic classification. While the national median pH is 6.5, local growers often contend with the unique acidic profile of the Cumberland Plateau.

Variable Mountain Soil Composition

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current federal records for this county. Local experience suggests that soil workability varies significantly between the steep ridges and the narrow valley floors.

Local Knowledge Drives Growth

Without specific data on organic matter or water capacity, gardeners here rely on tradition and personal soil tests. Adding compost can help your plot reach or exceed the state organic matter average of 3.55%.

Watching the Water Flow

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for the county's soils. Observing runoff patterns after a heavy rain is the best way to determine the best spots for building or planting.

Opportunity in Zone 7a

Falling in Hardiness Zone 7a, Magoffin County supports a wide variety of native plants and cool-weather crops. Even without mapped data, the local climate is perfect for starting a successful vegetable patch.

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

Magoffin County sits in hardiness zone 7a, providing a temperate environment for many common grass types. While a specific local difficulty score is unavailable, the regional climate typically offers a standard transition-zone experience.

Following Regional Climate Trends

While specific local climate data is limited, the area follows the broader Kentucky patterns for mowing and watering. Homeowners should prepare for a standard zone 7a growing season that mirrors neighbors in Eastern Kentucky.

Soil Success Through Local Testing

Localized soil data for pH and clay content is currently unavailable for this county. Conduct a personal soil test to ensure your lawn foundation hits the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH target for nutrient absorption.

High Resilience Against Dry Spells

The county has faced only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, showing better resilience than many western counties. Current conditions show zero percent of the area is abnormally dry, meaning natural rainfall is currently sufficient.

Choosing Your Magoffin Grass Type

Hardy transition-zone grasses like tall fescue are the most reliable choices for this environment. Monitor local weather forecasts to start your planting once the soil warms in late April or early May.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magoffin County's county score?
Magoffin County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Magoffin County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Magoffin County ranks #37 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Magoffin County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Magoffin County is $694, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Magoffin County a tax score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Magoffin County?
The median household income in Magoffin County, Kentucky is $33,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Magoffin County earns an income score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Magoffin County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Magoffin County scores 63.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Magoffin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Magoffin County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.